tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86982147104434322202018-03-18T09:30:30.291-04:00ShannonMac DesignsI am a wife, a mother, an electrical engineer, a quilt pattern designer, an independent fabric designer, and a quilter for hire. Life's pretty insane most of the time, and sewing is my sanity!
I will be posting my sewing adventures here, including stuff I design, patterns I test, awesome tools I might find, and whatever else might strike me at the time.
Check out my quilt patterns, fabric designs, and finished items for sale in my stores, in the tabs right below this text.Shannon Maciejewskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342998900918083538noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-30879412745249314722018-01-23T08:04:00.003-05:002018-01-23T08:10:48.028-05:00Working on a new pattern!It's been far too long since I have sewn on a new design of my own. Between work and kids and just daily life, I haven't really been feeling it! But I've been&nbsp;sitting on a design for about 5 years, and it's been screaming to get out lately. So I finally picked colors and got started this weekend. MUCH more to come, but at&nbsp;least it's started.&nbsp;What do you think of this? I'm pretty happy with it so far. Only 97 more paper pieced&nbsp;sections to go! More photos to come as I get more done. Follow along in my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ShannonMacDesigns/">Facebook Group</a>!<br /><br /><br />What was I thinking?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6q_k-0UeK4/Wmcyusxh6yI/AAAAAAAARsM/QH1nC4QcaxIV250RaxL64fe-8Ugj38iDgCLcBGAs/s1600/which%2Bway%2Bstart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6q_k-0UeK4/Wmcyusxh6yI/AAAAAAAARsM/QH1nC4QcaxIV250RaxL64fe-8Ugj38iDgCLcBGAs/s400/which%2Bway%2Bstart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-71123109060152584252018-01-07T15:05:00.003-05:002018-01-07T15:05:55.092-05:00Pattern Test - Bellavista Top by Itch to StitchHere's another winner from Itch to Stitch! I absolutely love everything I've ever made from this company, and I always look forward to new patterns. The latest is the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/bellavista-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=shannonmacdesigns">Bellavista top</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/bellavista-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=shannonmacdesigns"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXoa4AslWNk/WlJ8BruP5eI/AAAAAAAARcU/lrWoTyfcH6sNO1e5oIW1TuVylc93-dG7wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5179.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This top has options for long sleeves or 3/4 length bell sleeves, and either a scoop neck or a cowl neck. Some of the tops I have seen others make out of big thick sweater knits make me jealous! I don't have anything that thick, but it came out beautifully with a lighter sweater knit, which is pretty common to see in my stash. I love how it came out!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/bellavista-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=shannonmacdesigns"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVSfxMDF5NE/WlJ7yRKVguI/AAAAAAAARcM/Ql7-KyVYcjgj2ABJBiJEbVlgIdO8d7K7QCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_5178.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />I made the long sleeve and cowl neck options. It took less than 5 hours from constructing the pattern to putting in the last stitch, which is impressive! And now that I have the pattern already assembled and I've made it before, it will go even faster next time. This pattern is written extremely well, as are all Itch to Stitch patterns, so whether you have experience with this pattern line or not, you shouldn't have any trouble putting one or twelve together for yourself.<br /><br />I have big plans for this pattern, in my tiny bit of free time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/bellavista-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=shannonmacdesigns"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TIRv5ixZzJU/WlJ7xDoelLI/AAAAAAAARcI/oUwwth-tlBkF0nc13vdhvAaVMRe2pldXgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_5176.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's on sale right now, so get over there and <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/bellavista-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=shannonmacdesigns">grab your copy</a>! You'll love how this top fits into your wardrobe!</div><br />The fabric I used for this sweater came from a color palette mystery box from Sincerely Rylee.<br /><br />Yes, that's snow on the ground. I immediately put my coat on after these photos were taken!!Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-67163827897717043262017-09-11T12:35:00.002-04:002017-09-11T12:35:41.346-04:00Pattern Test - North Point Trousers by Itch to Stitch<div data-contents="true"><div data-block="true" data-editor="6jb9h" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-text="true">I was recently picked to test the pattern for the new <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/north-point-trousers-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=shannonmacdesigns">North Point Trousers from Itch to Stitch</a>. I have to say, if you're looking to make some amazing pants for yourself, look no further! </span></span><span data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-text="true">The pattern is still on sale for a couple more days, so don't miss it. </span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fCRlkV5nWPc/Wba4G7ksSmI/AAAAAAAAPXs/ckAt5J57MbQeb7iAlY_u8IoTy4f5YOgoACEwYBhgL/s1600/21319130_10212855006317594_6897056350603093770_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="496" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fCRlkV5nWPc/Wba4G7ksSmI/AAAAAAAAPXs/ckAt5J57MbQeb7iAlY_u8IoTy4f5YOgoACEwYBhgL/s640/21319130_10212855006317594_6897056350603093770_o.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><span data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span><br /><span data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-text="true">While I can't promise the same for everyone, these fit me with no pattern modifications, which never happens for this curvy gal. They're my most comfortable pants, and have quickly become my favorite! </span></span><br /><br /></div></div><span data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-text="true"></span></span><div data-block="true" data-editor="6jb9h" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><br /></div></div><span data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-text="true"></span><div data-block="true" data-editor="6jb9h" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><br /></div></span><br /><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-block="true" data-editor="6jb9h" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-text="true">And don't be scared of the zip fly, the instructions in this pattern are amazing! This is my second zip fly ever, and it went in perfectly, it wasn't even hard! Here it is, complete with a little cat hair, before I put the waistband on. I love the contrasting stitching! I used it so if I had to rip something out, I could see the thread. But it went together so well, and I love how it turned out!</span></span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-enS-LyKTo/Wba5QpOShCI/AAAAAAAAPXw/GqY_viwMTFEMhmzyFVbJKhf1Qrh4hHZugCLcBGAs/s1600/20170826_170809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-enS-LyKTo/Wba5QpOShCI/AAAAAAAAPXw/GqY_viwMTFEMhmzyFVbJKhf1Qrh4hHZugCLcBGAs/s640/20170826_170809.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-block="true" data-editor="6jb9h" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-text="true">This was also my first time making welt pockets, which I&nbsp;found to be more difficult.&nbsp;While they aren't perfect, they're better than I thought they would be, given that I'd never done them before!</span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-block="true" data-editor="6jb9h" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" data-block="true" data-editor="6jb9h" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mhqMv5G8oI/Wba4GahFPhI/AAAAAAAAPXY/PYXNwDGmz9oxNO_3_WQjjSjscGpm6dzGQCEwYBhgL/s1600/21318925_10212855028918159_830704212060112687_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="572" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mhqMv5G8oI/Wba4GahFPhI/AAAAAAAAPXY/PYXNwDGmz9oxNO_3_WQjjSjscGpm6dzGQCEwYBhgL/s400/21318925_10212855028918159_830704212060112687_o.jpg" width="201" /></a></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="6jb9h" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" data-block="true" data-editor="6jb9h" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KWDQcUIEr-E/Wba4HNicm6I/AAAAAAAAPXo/0eX-eD-K5NYMt-3TK_kGUeU2rDXag_DLACEwYBhgL/s1600/21366724_10212855025518074_2679733773885025942_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="1296" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KWDQcUIEr-E/Wba4HNicm6I/AAAAAAAAPXo/0eX-eD-K5NYMt-3TK_kGUeU2rDXag_DLACEwYBhgL/s400/21366724_10212855025518074_2679733773885025942_o.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-block="true" data-editor="6jb9h" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><br /></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-block="true" data-editor="6jb9h" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0">The front pockets are amazing. Because of how these trousers are constructed, they lay flat no matter what. There's no weird wrinkled up bulges after moving around all day. I made my pockets out of this really great hot pink leopard print fabric that's a lot of fun!</div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-block="true" data-editor="6jb9h" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><br /></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-block="true" data-editor="6jb9h" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0" style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/138/0/8609103/il_570xN.1004528875_tkn7.jpg" width="200" /></div><span data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-text="true"></span></span><span data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-text="true"></span></span></div><span data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-text="true"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-block="true" data-contents="true" data-editor="6jb9h" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><br /></div></span></span><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-block="true" data-contents="true" data-editor="6jb9h" data-offset-key="4tp4m-0-0"><span data-offset-key="7inl0-0-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/north-point-trousers-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=shannonmacdesigns">Don't miss the sale</a>! It's on sale thru Tuesday for 20% off.</span></span></div>Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-22305942728587259742017-08-09T12:50:00.000-04:002017-08-09T12:51:47.520-04:00Eastern Michigan State Fair 2017One of the biggest obstacles I have to getting anything done is TIME. There's only so much time to do the plethora of projects I want to do, and my job sure cuts into that time!<br /><br /><br />This year, I set myself a goal to finish a quilt in time for the Eastern Michigan State Fair. Registration ended in June, so I went ahead and spend the $15 to register, effectively giving myself a deadline. And it worked! I actually entered 7 items (though I only actually brought 6).<br /><br /><br />First, I finally finished this!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vth8i-a3RfU/WYs4hySjtjI/AAAAAAAAOw8/mqdHfaKt5lICscb1zQkW0dMySqGpBq67gCLcBGAs/s1600/20232655_10212437190512460_4608822544404853180_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1476" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vth8i-a3RfU/WYs4hySjtjI/AAAAAAAAOw8/mqdHfaKt5lICscb1zQkW0dMySqGpBq67gCLcBGAs/s640/20232655_10212437190512460_4608822544404853180_o.jpg" width="590" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most people that have seen this have said WOW! And wow is right. This just hits you right in the eye. Photos truly don't do this justice, though this photo is better at capturing the colors than my cell phone was. You can't help but follow the colors, spinning your eyes around with the changes. There are over 200 fabrics in this quilt, so every time you look at it, you see something new!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">﻿</div>Next, I finished my Toothless!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--DMgq0swtyI/WYs5XJQlqrI/AAAAAAAAOxE/uDctZpRST5gtP9pCP7pAL81d-cBPOjG0QCLcBGAs/s1600/toothless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--DMgq0swtyI/WYs5XJQlqrI/AAAAAAAAOxE/uDctZpRST5gtP9pCP7pAL81d-cBPOjG0QCLcBGAs/s640/toothless.jpg" width="355" /></a></div><br /><br />This is a modified Sitting Dragon from <a href="https://cholyknight.com/">Sew Desu Ne?</a>, with parts borrowed from the Jackalope pattern from the same designer, and some pieces I drew up and added. (This designer now has a really adorable <a href="https://cholyknight.com/2017/06/09/night-fury-plush/">FREE Night Fury pattern</a> that you should really get!)<br /><br /><br />Next, I entered this bag I sewed up from the <a href="https://www.studiokatdesigns.com/products/attache">Everyday Attache pattern</a> from StudioKat Designs.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqqcMI6Zodw/WYs7pixO77I/AAAAAAAAOxY/TYCAB0g7fxU9SVztd2EwvaxNq5hDCSjeQCLcBGAs/s1600/received_10209211443430799.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1334" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqqcMI6Zodw/WYs7pixO77I/AAAAAAAAOxY/TYCAB0g7fxU9SVztd2EwvaxNq5hDCSjeQCLcBGAs/s320/received_10209211443430799.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z5mD6pX2La4/WYs7ppoC5nI/AAAAAAAAOxc/vusgJ7KSKiUvS9ThhbA-0bBcIN1p1wmrwCLcBGAs/s1600/received_10209211444590828.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1334" height="179" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z5mD6pX2La4/WYs7ppoC5nI/AAAAAAAAOxc/vusgJ7KSKiUvS9ThhbA-0bBcIN1p1wmrwCLcBGAs/s320/received_10209211444590828.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p4tFmvQhRDc/WYs7pV0uoqI/AAAAAAAAOxU/hoxpR23n6VYoK0t5oIbgyEh5tRPWTzwJgCLcBGAs/s1600/received_10209211443070790.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="179" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p4tFmvQhRDc/WYs7pV0uoqI/AAAAAAAAOxU/hoxpR23n6VYoK0t5oIbgyEh5tRPWTzwJgCLcBGAs/s320/received_10209211443070790.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />This was one of the most intensely complicated bags I've ever made, but it went together so smoothly! It's a little smaller than I would carry regularly though, I'm more of a <a href="https://www.studiokatdesigns.com/products/wrapsody">Wrapsody</a> girl.<br /><br /><br />I also entered 3 photos I took on our family vacation this year.<br /><br /><br />So how did I do? Pretty well!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyFBVsvfFws/WYs8b0Eq6LI/AAAAAAAAOxo/CvM-qu7ybwMsnr9_ndFwrwvIR3ZnKaA4wCLcBGAs/s1600/20170729_113429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyFBVsvfFws/WYs8b0Eq6LI/AAAAAAAAOxo/CvM-qu7ybwMsnr9_ndFwrwvIR3ZnKaA4wCLcBGAs/s640/20170729_113429.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Best in Show!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFcB1VIpa18/WYs8cH61G7I/AAAAAAAAOxw/2MPEJ6G0OsweR09ysVk61a0H7sGygvRqgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170729_113550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFcB1VIpa18/WYs8cH61G7I/AAAAAAAAOxw/2MPEJ6G0OsweR09ysVk61a0H7sGygvRqgCLcBGAs/s640/20170729_113550.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blue ribbons on Toothless and my Everyday Attache!</div><div style="border-image: none;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRehI3aw4yc/WYs8b-P8p6I/AAAAAAAAOxs/GxMAu8U_uJgrtZUkAWnt-j516g-bco73QCLcBGAs/s1600/20170729_113458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRehI3aw4yc/WYs8b-P8p6I/AAAAAAAAOxs/GxMAu8U_uJgrtZUkAWnt-j516g-bco73QCLcBGAs/s640/20170729_113458.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And a blue for my dolphin photo (top right), a red for my marine landscape photo (lower left), and a white for the photo of my boys while snuba diving (upper left).</div><div style="border-image: none;">&nbsp;</div><div style="border-image: none;">Not too bad for the first time I ever entered! I'm going to try a different fair next year though. I have several more quilts to finish, so I'm going to check the open book this year and see what categories there are, and what projects I can finish for those categories. This won't be my last fair!</div><br />Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-66777988285231323552017-08-07T10:06:00.000-04:002017-08-07T10:08:41.370-04:00Pattern Test - Chai Shirt and Dress by Itch to StitchThis week, I had the pleasure of testing a new pattern from Itch to Stitch, the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/chai-shirt-dress-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=shannonmacdesigns">Chai Shirt and Dress</a>. And let me just tell you, this has got to be the cutest shirt I have ever made for myself! I have plans to make at least four more, and at least one will be a dress. I LOVE the shape and fit of it, it's super feminine. Even my husband likes it! I can't say enough good things about it! And it went together relatively quickly and smoothly (except for a couple finickey buttonholes, but I worked it out.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Z9ABmHCVWo/WYc3ND5m7uI/AAAAAAAAOsU/hOG32gu6tLwl3WaYUCVzKHDbJApCm6i1QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5104cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Z9ABmHCVWo/WYc3ND5m7uI/AAAAAAAAOsU/hOG32gu6tLwl3WaYUCVzKHDbJApCm6i1QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5104cropped.jpg" width="344" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />This pattern is fit not only in the usual bust, waist and hips, but also for cup size. I had never done a pattern with cups taken into consideration, and I am so happy I tried this!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aViF4m3l_s/WYc3NBwCGHI/AAAAAAAAOsQ/nk6lEmO0L5kt0mALbdC0jjGBAcItYgKxgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5110cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aViF4m3l_s/WYc3NBwCGHI/AAAAAAAAOsQ/nk6lEmO0L5kt0mALbdC0jjGBAcItYgKxgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_5110cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I had to shorten the bodice slightly (one inch), and graded to fit, but no real major adjustments. I do recommend doing a muslin for fit though, I did two before I stitched this one up.<br /><br />There are buttonholes and buttons, a collar,&nbsp;seam trimming and grading (there's a tutorial linked if you don't know how to do this), hand stitching OR stitch in the ditch (your choice), darts, and gathers. I definitely wouldn't call this a beginner pattern, it's more like intermediate.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nWV8G5kcmvo/WYc36I-obbI/AAAAAAAAOsc/lxbfNhaqbhonayu1IndHySnae5tIfb5hgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5107cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="838" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nWV8G5kcmvo/WYc36I-obbI/AAAAAAAAOsc/lxbfNhaqbhonayu1IndHySnae5tIfb5hgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5107cropped.jpg" width="334" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And how great is this collar? I have made a couple collared shirts before, but they never turn out this good! The instructions are very clear and well written, so you can&nbsp;sew up&nbsp;a professional looking collar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oKxc4GxXF3Q/WYhoZcJWAEI/AAAAAAAAOtw/MiG6wkyEfogub33O3ad4J30bnJW1T6deACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oKxc4GxXF3Q/WYhoZcJWAEI/AAAAAAAAOtw/MiG6wkyEfogub33O3ad4J30bnJW1T6deACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">﻿</div><br />You can get this pattern for yourself <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/chai-shirt-dress-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=shannonmacdesigns">HERE</a>, and you should because you'll look amazing in it!<br /><br />📷 by Logan Maciejewski.Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-71616834538762670412015-11-15T09:24:00.002-05:002015-11-17T08:09:27.407-05:00New Quilt Pattern: Fat Quarter Festival!Now that I am working full time again in a "real" job, finding time for pattern writing has been difficult. But today, I am releasing a new new pattern as part of the Aspiring Designer's Challenge!<span id="goog_479930456"></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXzYYV7weOY/VkiDuF49DXI/AAAAAAAACYo/DzbX_8GG2p4/s1600/ADChallenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXzYYV7weOY/VkiDuF49DXI/AAAAAAAACYo/DzbX_8GG2p4/s400/ADChallenge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yup, I'm right there in the middle of some pretty amazing designers. Make sure you check them out as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.callajaire.com/p/shop.html">Call Ajaire</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BishyBarnababes">Bishy Barnababes</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/8084110/pattern-store?_ct=fqjjuhd-ijehu&amp;_ctp=154734,8084110">StitchmePLENTY</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KnotSewNormal">Knot Sew Normal</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KodaBaby?ref=hdr_shop_menu">Koda Baby</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.goldenrippy.com/shop">Golden Rippy</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://snugglemybaby.com/">Snuggle My Baby Patterns</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mae &amp; K</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.duckbuttdesigns.com/">Duck Butt Designs</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://ahacustoms.com/">Aha Customs</a></div><a href="http://www.laelajeynepatterns.com/">Laela Jeyne Patterns</a><br /><a href="http://www.thewolfandthetree.etsy.com/">The Wolf and the Tree</a><br /><br /><br />Ok, back to my pattern! I went back to my quilting roots after my hat release this summer. Quilting really is my comfort, and keeps me sane in my world where there's no time! And with that, I will tell you about my new fat quarter pattern, <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/fat-quarter-festival/175375">Fat Quarter Festival</a>!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/fat-quarter-festival/175375"><img alt="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/fat-quarter-festival/175375" border="0" height="388" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ErekCXV6v38/VkiI9TzZZ7I/AAAAAAAACY4/OejttVVu4_0/s400/Cover%2BPhoto.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />This is a really fun pattern if you like your quilts good and scrappy looking. It starts with fat quarters, and one cutting diagram. With those pieces, you can make 4 different blocks. I'm sure there's probably a few other ways you could stitch them up too, but my pattern includes 4 layouts. It's a very fast sew, so it's great for a quick gift. Just choose which block (or blocks) you want to make, cut your fat quarters (you could even stack a few of them to make it go even faster) and stitch them up!<br /><br />Here's a couple more pictures of other quilts made from this pattern!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/fat-quarter-festival/175375" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--4KkAl2cMOU/VkkCRrMNzaI/AAAAAAAACZg/CptzQtqWHmo/s400/12255306_1217524961595032_418473573_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/fat-quarter-festival/175375" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-ZQ8vyCVKA/VkiKb18TNmI/AAAAAAAACZA/uCacRuJpQQ4/s400/received_1176295742384621.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/fat-quarter-festival/175375" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/fat-quarter-festival/175375" border="0" height="352" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKjxJIuAyas/VkiKwpV1bmI/AAAAAAAACZM/kV9flqjAFZU/s400/received_10153475643317013.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Many thanks to Heather T. and Jenn B. for testing my pattern and allowing me to use their photos!<br /><br />Want to make one for yourself? Go grab the pattern <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/fat-quarter-festival/175375">here</a>!<br /><br />Or if you'd rather win a copy, you can enter here!<br /><br /><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="04d7bba33" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/04d7bba33/" id="rcwidget_odnb6pz1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-14729772223997188922015-10-19T04:23:00.001-04:002015-10-19T04:23:14.322-04:00Look what made it's way home!I can't believe it has made its way home! Anyone that has known me or followed me for a few years might know this story, but the ending only came on Friday.<br /><br />Way back in 2012, I entered a contest at the American Sewing Expo (there is a post about it <a href="http://shannonmacdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/10/american-sewing-expo.html?m=1">here</a>.) Somehow, I won an honorable mention ribbon. I went to the expo on Saturday that year, so I wasn't there to pick up my entry after the close of the show.<br /><br />Instead of sending my entry back to me, they upgraded my honorable mention to 6th place, and the contest sponsor took it on tour with them to trade shows for a year. I was so excited to have placed, and couldn't wait for the year to be up so I could have the ribbon. I had planned to put the letter, the ribbon, and my project into a shadowbox frame together.<br /><br />But the following October, when the year tour period was over, I didn't get it back.<br /><br />I watched the mail the whole month of October. When i didnt get it, I started emailing the expo in November, asking if they had gotten it back, or if they knew when I could expect it back. They poked around, and unfortunately, In December, I was informed that the sponsor couldn't find it. Nobody knew what had happened to it. The expo people apologized to me and gave me some seminar time for the following year, along with the ribbon I had won.<br /><br />Fast forward two years later to now!<br /><br />Friday, I was driving home after dropping my son off for a scouting event, and stopped at the mailbox. Nothing but little packages that day. But one was from the American Sewing Expo! I haven't entered a contest there since my entry was lost (an entry fee was added to the contest, and I didn't want to pay it hahaha), so the only thing it could be was the one thing I never expected to see again!<br /><br />I pulled in and parked right at the end of the driveway, and opened it right there. And sure enough, it was found! No explanation in the letter as to what happened, but it doesn't matter!<br /><br />I haven't gotten it into a shadowbox frame yet, but I was excited to finally get it back and I wanted to post a "post expo" photo. Here it is!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-beSBvBPg8Ng/ViSoVW_CKuI/AAAAAAAABew/9cDcCyMxDv4/s1600/20151016_174202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-beSBvBPg8Ng/ViSoVW_CKuI/AAAAAAAABew/9cDcCyMxDv4/s400/20151016_174202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />A little bit about it: This is a clutch purse I made from the Apropos Pack pattern from Studiokat Designs. I quilted the exterior fabric using three threads sent to me for the contest, in a diamond plaid pattern.<br /><br />The stripe of blue (and the stripe of orange on the inside edge of the flap) were added when I realized the piece had shrunk due to the quilting, and it was too short to put the snap in! Oops!Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-86540032453162799052015-10-04T11:04:00.002-04:002015-10-04T11:11:45.970-04:00Craftsy's October ALL-ACCESS Class Pass -- just $9.99!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.craftsy.com/clp/october-all-access-class-pass/images/all-access_pfs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.craftsy.com/clp/october-all-access-class-pass/images/all-access_pfs.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />You heard right! Craftsy is offering an <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=717944&amp;b=253536&amp;m=29190&amp;afftrack=&amp;urllink=www%2Ecraftsy%2Ecom%2Fclp%2Foctober%2Dall%2Daccess%2Dclass%2Dpass"><span style="color: #cc0000;">All Access Class Pass</span></a>, access to ALL THEIR CLASSES for the month of October -- for only $9.99! You can try them all, binge watch everything that you've been curious about.<br /><br />What's the catch? Well, November 1, you won't have access to those classes anymore, only the ones you've paid for. But if there's a few classes you've been wanting to watch, and you have some free time this month, it's a great opportunity to watch them and see if you'd like to purchase them. If you have taken any class notes during October, they will still be there if you decide to purchase the class after the pass expires.<br /><br />It's a hard deal to pass up! <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=717944&amp;b=253536&amp;m=29190&amp;afftrack=&amp;urllink=www%2Ecraftsy%2Ecom%2Fclp%2Foctober%2Dall%2Daccess%2Dclass%2Dpass"><span style="color: #990000;">Less than $10 for access to EVERY Craftsy class</span></a>? I know I'm signing up! But hurry, you can only get this deal through Midnight on October 6.<br /><br /><br />Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-31383626715192779582015-05-29T16:28:00.000-04:002015-05-29T16:28:04.484-04:00The Cote d'Azur Sun Hat pattern is now available!Hi everyone! I've been away from pattern making for several months, but I'm back with a brand new pattern. I've been spreading my wings, so to speak, and I've stepped outside my normal quilted box to release my very first wearable design!<br /><br />It's almost summer here on our side of the globe, and I'm a pale, pasty chick. I avoid the sun like a vampire. It doesn't take long for me to turn lobster red, and I've had more than my fair share of sunburns in my life, especially on my face, shoulders, and the back of my neck. To avoid raising my risk of skin cancer even more, I decided I needed a big hat. And why not? They're very fashionable these days, and much easier to put on than sunblock (which I'll still wear!) Most of the wide-brimmed hats I see are some kind of woven style, but I wanted a fabric one, so it's washable and keeps out ALL the sun's rays. And this is it! Introducing the Cote d'Azur Sun Hat from ShannonMac Designs!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SdE-Z1OsgSM/VWewrAgdegI/AAAAAAAABXA/MIVegoMBdEo/s1600/IMG_4865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SdE-Z1OsgSM/VWewrAgdegI/AAAAAAAABXA/MIVegoMBdEo/s640/IMG_4865.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I have designed this sun hat pattern to fit head circumferences of 16"-24", with brim options of 4", 5", and 6". With those options, it will fit most people 12 months and up!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5xxZ622iwA/VWexTSaZj-I/AAAAAAAABXQ/ROZOkskqcWA/s1600/IMG_4855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5xxZ622iwA/VWexTSaZj-I/AAAAAAAABXQ/ROZOkskqcWA/s400/IMG_4855.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUZQDorz3Cs/VWexFPjxBwI/AAAAAAAABXI/lyd8R-fdVlc/s1600/IMG_4844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUZQDorz3Cs/VWexFPjxBwI/AAAAAAAABXI/lyd8R-fdVlc/s400/IMG_4844.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />And since you're making it yourself, you can make it truly fit you and your style! I used quilter's cotton, but you can feel free to use any&nbsp;fabric you like, as long as it's not stretchy and won't lose it's shape (knits and silkies are probably good to avoid).<br /><br />I used Pellon 809 Decor Bond in the brim, but some of my testers tried other things, like thermofleece, buckram, and peltex. Other interfacings can result in different levels of stiffness in the brim, but if you like a floppier hat, just try a lighter interfacing.<br /><br />Check out some of the photos that my testers submitted!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYBcbsVSKj0/VWex7vFT-ZI/AAAAAAAABXo/Yek2alDBrGc/s1600/Emily%2BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYBcbsVSKj0/VWex7vFT-ZI/AAAAAAAABXo/Yek2alDBrGc/s320/Emily%2BC.jpg" width="228" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xevvmifw7C8/VWex7YG2XUI/AAAAAAAABXg/ve5vUPPNbi4/s1600/Eliza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xevvmifw7C8/VWex7YG2XUI/AAAAAAAABXg/ve5vUPPNbi4/s320/Eliza.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j1NhBep10sM/VWex79fdGEI/AAAAAAAABXk/RBVe7vW8Qgo/s1600/Jenn%2BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j1NhBep10sM/VWex79fdGEI/AAAAAAAABXk/RBVe7vW8Qgo/s200/Jenn%2BB.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcsIkWJsZ2g/VWex6oQrVtI/AAAAAAAABXY/8iQyllevFEk/s1600/Emily%2BWB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcsIkWJsZ2g/VWex6oQrVtI/AAAAAAAABXY/8iQyllevFEk/s320/Emily%2BWB1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oZl2Am0ANQQ/VWex8yHC_EI/AAAAAAAABX0/3IKfJVySFnM/s1600/Jennifer%2BNess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oZl2Am0ANQQ/VWex8yHC_EI/AAAAAAAABX0/3IKfJVySFnM/s320/Jennifer%2BNess.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VpQkdfumeOc/VWex9ocbRqI/AAAAAAAABYA/xPcZFeBb2WY/s1600/Jo%2BHanson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VpQkdfumeOc/VWex9ocbRqI/AAAAAAAABYA/xPcZFeBb2WY/s320/Jo%2BHanson.jpg" width="176" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qB0sJJc1RXE/VWeyB8XZ6hI/AAAAAAAABYw/0Z286atF5D8/s1600/karen%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qB0sJJc1RXE/VWeyB8XZ6hI/AAAAAAAABYw/0Z286atF5D8/s200/karen%2B4.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-CGDYel-fk/VWex-1mtaHI/AAAAAAAABYI/EL5p7n9MXJM/s1600/Karen%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-CGDYel-fk/VWex-1mtaHI/AAAAAAAABYI/EL5p7n9MXJM/s320/Karen%2B2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CgAkVsz7WHU/VWex_FSpxzI/AAAAAAAABYQ/0gF1onQDbAM/s1600/Melissa%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CgAkVsz7WHU/VWex_FSpxzI/AAAAAAAABYQ/0gF1onQDbAM/s200/Melissa%2B2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j5LmIDFB3oU/VWex-24ifYI/AAAAAAAABYM/x1QjwJC56kI/s1600/Melissa%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j5LmIDFB3oU/VWex-24ifYI/AAAAAAAABYM/x1QjwJC56kI/s320/Melissa%2B1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EpKuXVRnqJQ/VWeyCVbOKqI/AAAAAAAABY4/W5JIdCWGb7E/s1600/rachael%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EpKuXVRnqJQ/VWeyCVbOKqI/AAAAAAAABY4/W5JIdCWGb7E/s320/rachael%2B5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qk4W2ghVslY/VWeyCf6CvxI/AAAAAAAABY8/O00BigFTj64/s1600/rachael%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qk4W2ghVslY/VWeyCf6CvxI/AAAAAAAABY8/O00BigFTj64/s320/rachael%2B12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8X2lwe9BCps/VWex_1pccAI/AAAAAAAABYc/6awqz-8L5kE/s1600/Tami%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8X2lwe9BCps/VWex_1pccAI/AAAAAAAABYc/6awqz-8L5kE/s320/Tami%2B2.jpg" width="234" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0w5Pv8QJl4/VWex_i3d8wI/AAAAAAAABYk/eHXZW3hTmvk/s1600/Tami%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0w5Pv8QJl4/VWex_i3d8wI/AAAAAAAABYk/eHXZW3hTmvk/s320/Tami%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMm2U4FAC_4/VWfP_wztzqI/AAAAAAAABZ0/9HuG2KE3RFk/s1600/Nyxie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMm2U4FAC_4/VWfP_wztzqI/AAAAAAAABZ0/9HuG2KE3RFk/s320/Nyxie.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />Thank you so much to all my amazing testers!!<br /><br />And now it's time for you to get the pattern, and make one for yourself! You can purchase the pattern <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/976738/pattern-store">in my Craftsy Shop</a>, OR you can enter my rafflecopter drawing and win a copy!<br /><br /><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="04d7bba32" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/04d7bba32/" id="rcwidget_e1rsqq5z" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br /><span id="goog_419390751"></span><br />Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-72254839512120916752014-11-28T09:05:00.000-05:002014-11-28T10:12:24.310-05:00Omni Tempore by Sofilantjes PatternsHi there! Recently I had the opportunity to sew up the <a href="http://www.sofilantjes.com/product/omni-tempore-shirt-sizes-12-months-to-14-years/">Omni Tempore</a> pattern by <a href="http://www.sofilantjes.com/">Sofilantjes Patterns</a>&nbsp;for my son&nbsp;(It's also available in adult sizes <a href="http://www.sofilantjes.com/product/omni-tempore-adult-xs-xxxl/">here</a>! Or look for the bundle :) ) I usually sew clothes for my 6 year old because he's a better model hahaha, but I thought this would be a great pattern for my 11 year old. He likes hoods and pockets and fleece, so this was a great combination of all his favorites. So here it is!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6szp0Ec1izc/VHh7uocxRfI/AAAAAAAAAh4/QpK2b0FgfRE/s1600/20141128_083003.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6szp0Ec1izc/VHh7uocxRfI/AAAAAAAAAh4/QpK2b0FgfRE/s1600/20141128_083003.jpeg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AV4wek-SxfM/VHh71iMMh7I/AAAAAAAAAiI/IwuY06EjoOA/s1600/20141128_082847.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AV4wek-SxfM/VHh71iMMh7I/AAAAAAAAAiI/IwuY06EjoOA/s1600/20141128_082847.jpeg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2lmeNb4AuY/VHh7zW-MEsI/AAAAAAAAAiA/ckQiFQqwr1A/s1600/20141128_082753.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2lmeNb4AuY/VHh7zW-MEsI/AAAAAAAAAiA/ckQiFQqwr1A/s1600/20141128_082753.jpeg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br />He really loves this shirt! I made it out of black polar fleece, which is the same fabric I used to back his quilt last Christmas. So now he can wear this and feel like he's wrapped in his quilt. I made it in a size 13 so he can wear it for a while, and because he likes his clothes a little baggy (and we have long monkey arms in my family LOL). Now my 6 year old is jealous because he doesn't have one. Guess I'll be making one for him today!<br /><br />And it really is fast enough that I can do that. I put the pattern together at a cub scout meeting, pinned and cut the pieces while watching tv with my family, and sewed it up in about 3 hours last night (and it only took that long because I don't have a serger, so I was using a mock serger stitch that took a long time to do on my DSM). There are several options to this shirt too, so I could have taken less time and done hemmed sleeves and bottom. But I did wrist and waist bands, which took a few extra minutes. So when I finish the second one, I'll post pictures here too.<br /><br />This is a great, simple, unisex pattern that is easy enough for anyone to do! You can see some other great photos at the other blogs on this blog tour.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBHlkt7_TxA/VG9npT0mfZI/AAAAAAAADD4/9o8p5X6DGaI/s1600/DSCN4708%2BOmni%2Bfamily%2Btour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBHlkt7_TxA/VG9npT0mfZI/AAAAAAAADD4/9o8p5X6DGaI/s1600/DSCN4708%2BOmni%2Bfamily%2Btour.jpg" height="223" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;">Monday, November 24th&nbsp;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pienkel.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Pienkel</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="http://miekatoentje.blogspot.be/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Mie Katoentje</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="http://shaffer-sisters.blogspot.ca/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Shaffer Sisters</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><br />Tuesday, November 25th</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sergerpepper.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Serger Pepper</a>&nbsp;- &nbsp;<a href="http://from-a-box.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">From a Box</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="http://jaimesews.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">JaimeSews</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><br />Wednesday, November 26th</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="http://siskobymieke.blogspot.be/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Sisko by Mieke</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="http://www.feltwithlovedesigns.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Felt With Love</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><br />Thursday, November 27th</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="http://luluandceleste.blogspot.ca/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Lulu &amp; Celeste</a>&nbsp;-<a href="http://sewoutofcontrol.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">&nbsp;SewOutOfControl</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="http://fillesamaman.net/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Fi<wbr></wbr>lles A Maman</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="http://sproutingjj.blogspot.ca/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Sprouting JubeJube</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><br />Friday, November 28th</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huisjeboompjeboefjes.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">huisje &nbsp;boompje boefjes</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="http://maeandk.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Mae &amp; K</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="http://www.houseofestrela.blogspot.ca/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">House of Estrela</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><br />Saturday, November 29th</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="http://oontje.blogspot.ca/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Oon</a>&nbsp;-<a href="http://daisy-chaincreations.blogspot.ca/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">&nbsp;Daisy Chain Creations</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="http://sewcoolforthetweenscene.blogspot.ca/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Sew Cool for the Tween Scene</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="http://rebelandmalice.blogspot.ca/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Rebel &amp; Malice</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So now that you've seen it, it's time to go make one yourself! You can buy the pattern at the link at the top of this post...Or you can win a copy by entering the Rafflecopter drawing! They will be drawing a winner at the end of the tour, so get your name in the hat while there's still time :) Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="2e2eb13f19" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2e2eb13f19/" id="rcwidget_87brog6o" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-30142958764663142972014-09-03T00:00:00.000-04:002015-02-02T17:54:53.498-05:00Summer's over, so...it's time for a new pattern!I can't believe it's September! I took the summer off pattern writing for the most part to be home with my kids. But now, the summer is winding down (not that it ever really got that warm here in Michigan!), and the kids are back to school. So, it's time to release my new pattern!<br /><br />Now available is this adorable baby quilt pattern, which I call <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/balloons-in-the-park/109742">Balloons in the Park.</a> I made this after visiting family and meeting their new son, who is just adorable! In his bedroom, there's a wall of hot air balloon decals, so I took that as inspiration and ran with it. And this is the result!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJMHG4rseYM/VAXtR6kBqVI/AAAAAAAAAfA/vY-LmeVpzGQ/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJMHG4rseYM/VAXtR6kBqVI/AAAAAAAAAfA/vY-LmeVpzGQ/s1600/cover.jpg" height="400" width="385" /></a></div><br />It's kind of a play on an I Spy quilt. I did some pretty heavy quilting, and the final quilt has puffy, rounded balloons. I love it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMJBZycNwrg/VAXtv4_Hz_I/AAAAAAAAAfM/ibxXdYbsBY4/s1600/smallIMG_4769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMJBZycNwrg/VAXtv4_Hz_I/AAAAAAAAAfM/ibxXdYbsBY4/s1600/smallIMG_4769.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />I've never considered myself amazingly skilled with my long arm, but I'm very happy with the results, even if they aren't perfect. I'm getting better! I've never done quilting this intricate, most everything I've done was primarily quilting with loops or meanders, sometimes with stars mixed in. And knowing how long it takes me to decide how I want to do the quilting, I have included a quilting diagram so you can follow it if you choose.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8WdEUG0TxhU/VAXtvwqLDAI/AAAAAAAAAfI/oIh2VJPoH34/s1600/smallIMG_4750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8WdEUG0TxhU/VAXtvwqLDAI/AAAAAAAAAfI/oIh2VJPoH34/s1600/smallIMG_4750.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnPAHnjYD8I/VAX0f5Y2aEI/AAAAAAAAAfg/Wzg7AYuC9Pw/s1600/smallIMG_4775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnPAHnjYD8I/VAX0f5Y2aEI/AAAAAAAAAfg/Wzg7AYuC9Pw/s1600/smallIMG_4775.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I'm really happy that my cousin and his family love it as much as I loved making it. And now you can make one too. You can get it from my <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/976738/pattern-store">Craftsy Shop</a>!<br /><script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-10525121453820317422014-07-16T09:15:00.003-04:002014-07-16T09:15:58.517-04:00Check out the Offbeat Oxford shirt pattern by Terra's Treasures Designs!Ok, so I normally don't sew clothes, at least not for myself. I'm no good at fitting myself since my dress form doesn't look anything like me. Luckily, my two boys are pretty true to size (at least on top!) so I can sew for them sometimes. But let's be honest, boys patterns are usually all the same things. Occasionally though, a good boys pattern comes out that isn't your typical t-shirt, jeans, or plain button up shirt. This is one of them!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vrg8RLQwgwQ/U8Z5DpghDvI/AAAAAAAAAdc/Bnkrn5e95RE/s1600/shirt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vrg8RLQwgwQ/U8Z5DpghDvI/AAAAAAAAAdc/Bnkrn5e95RE/s1600/shirt1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br />Here's the <a href="http://terrastreasuresdesigns.com/shop/offbeat-oxford/">Offbeat Oxford</a> by Terra's Treasures Designs. It's a fun take on a boys button up shirt, but with some visual interest. The row of buttons curves off to one side, and the pocket flap is a little different too. There are instructions included for doing a professional finish on the seams too, but I didn't do them.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OS8ifWS7No/U8Z6UAeKyKI/AAAAAAAAAeA/joIMa40CZiY/s1600/shirt5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OS8ifWS7No/U8Z6UAeKyKI/AAAAAAAAAeA/joIMa40CZiY/s1600/shirt5.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br />I decided to make the shirt gray. My 6 year old came to the store to pick out buttons with me, and insisted on red ("Come on mom, it's MY shirt!"), so I used red thread for the top stitching, and fit a small gray button in the center of each red button.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cKkV1jRqVYo/U8Z6QcqJFyI/AAAAAAAAAd4/iwZU8g6tvcU/s1600/IMG_4683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cKkV1jRqVYo/U8Z6QcqJFyI/AAAAAAAAAd4/iwZU8g6tvcU/s1600/IMG_4683.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />He was so excited to put it on when it was done! I see myself making a few more of these for him. I'll be more careful around the collar stand, which was my only real hang up (only because I'd only ever sewn one collar before this and it was 5 years ago.) The pattern was easy to follow with plenty of photos and diagrams. I'm really pleased with how this turned out, and I'm sure if I make another one, it will be even better! I may even give the professional seaming a try next time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs0tELD8f7c/U8Z6Q9u3bTI/AAAAAAAAAd8/8CsZyK6Lt3g/s1600/IMG_4684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs0tELD8f7c/U8Z6Q9u3bTI/AAAAAAAAAd8/8CsZyK6Lt3g/s1600/IMG_4684.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(He was such a good sport...it's not even 55 degrees here this morning!)</div><br />So if you're looking for patterns for your boys, pop over to <a href="http://terrastreasuresdesigns.com/shop/offbeat-oxford/">Terra's Treasures</a> today, where you can get this pattern for 25% off! I'll be bookmarking her site as well, knowing that I can go there for boys patterns that don't look like everything else!Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-68243415429046221162014-04-25T13:52:00.004-04:002014-04-25T16:28:24.161-04:00Bettie's Designer Pattern Swap<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/219434968239884/" rel="”nofollow”" target="_blank"><img alt="Get Your Crap Together" src=" http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af271/jane4tarzank/Patternswap_zpsc5953ddd.jpg" /></a></div>A while back, I joined an amazing group of ladies on Facebook. This group is for aspiring pattern designers, who are looking to make a name for themselves in the wide world of PDF patterns. Most of them are children's clothing designers, but they welcomed me right in, even though I can't sew a stitch properly when it comes to clothing (unless you count the pj pants I sew for my boys!)<br /><br />We recently swapped some patterns among us, and the pattern I got is the Strawberry Shortcake Purse, by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/rubyandjackpatterns">Ruby and Jack</a>. I don't have girls, but I LOVE to sew a purse, and this one is so cute and easy!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/027/1/8790317/il_570xN.527289693_k47t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/027/1/8790317/il_570xN.527289693_k47t.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />So one morning, I sat down and started cutting. I didn't have the ribbon the pattern called for to make the strap (as a quilter, I just don't use much of it, so I never buy it), so I sewed a strip of fabric into a ribbon instead. And about an hour after I started cutting, it was finished!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgWigjoTCs0/U1qXWYEYUCI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/VCqYeIhJOEw/s1600/IMG_4241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgWigjoTCs0/U1qXWYEYUCI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/VCqYeIhJOEw/s1600/IMG_4241.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br />This is a quick easy project that can easily be done in a hurry. It would make an adorable gift bag for a little girl's birthday. Or for a springtime birthday party, you could make a bunch of these and use them as goodie bags!<br /><br />It's cute little patterns like this that make me want a daughter! But alas, I don't have one, and neither of my boys would have stood with this on their arm for a photo! So, I got the next best thing. This bag is a little small for me to carry myself, so I gave it to my good friend's daughter, who's 5. She was quite happy to show it off for the camera too!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">`<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YVNv9VJJ1do/U1qd33VrK8I/AAAAAAAAAbg/ykLy_F-uYmA/s1600/IMG_4244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YVNv9VJJ1do/U1qd33VrK8I/AAAAAAAAAbg/ykLy_F-uYmA/s1600/IMG_4244.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Want one for your own little ones? Head over to Ruby and Jack Sewing Patterns on Etsy. Or, you could enter the Bettie's Basket giveaway, and maybe win a copy, plus a copy of patterns from lots of other designers, including me! You can enter the giveaway right here. And be sure to visit the pages of the other designers and show them some love!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3b07c91/" id="rc-3b07c91" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br /><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NKCy8iFmBss/U1qgvQiIHJI/AAAAAAAAAbs/3BhKOauiv-4/s1600/logos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NKCy8iFmBss/U1qgvQiIHJI/AAAAAAAAAbs/3BhKOauiv-4/s1600/logos.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-70535948686128092152014-03-20T12:45:00.000-04:002014-03-20T12:45:13.905-04:00Oops...I Scrapped My Pants! A new free paper piecing tutorial!That's another one done! I just uploaded "Oops...I Scrapped My Pants!" to my <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/976738/pattern-store">Craftsy shop</a>, and it's another FREEBIE!! This one is a paper piecing primer, using the freezer paper method, and a simple block I designed to look like a pair of pants. With enough of these blocks, you can make a cute scrappy quilt. But most importantly, you can learn to paper piece if you don't already know how!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nd4o7tXiL2c/UysV5PT1dlI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/2DvT6bQFaUQ/s1600/IMG_4155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nd4o7tXiL2c/UysV5PT1dlI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/2DvT6bQFaUQ/s1600/IMG_4155.JPG" height="282" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's a nice simple block that finishes to 6" square. Just four straight seams and some trimming, and the block is done! And you can arrange them a lot of different ways.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VwChUC8AxSM/UysY5kPFhEI/AAAAAAAAAaE/j0Yr0OZk0_Q/s1600/scrapped+pants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VwChUC8AxSM/UysY5kPFhEI/AAAAAAAAAaE/j0Yr0OZk0_Q/s1600/scrapped+pants.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></div><br />Here's a few, but the ladies that tested the pattern came up with others :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TT4mZL2Y2uI/UysZJCmeaTI/AAAAAAAAAaM/dyML_EDXKg0/s1600/Kitty+Wilkin+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TT4mZL2Y2uI/UysZJCmeaTI/AAAAAAAAAaM/dyML_EDXKg0/s1600/Kitty+Wilkin+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>Here's a great mini by Kitty Wilkin over at <a href="http://nightquilter.com/">The Night Quilter</a>. I love how even the scraps are scrappy!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZDFhcYirOw/UysZ-cFg-2I/AAAAAAAAAak/TEFitD3TyMI/s1600/Gwen+Denluck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZDFhcYirOw/UysZ-cFg-2I/AAAAAAAAAak/TEFitD3TyMI/s1600/Gwen+Denluck.jpg" height="400" width="303" /></a></div><br />Gwen Denluck made a mini as well, using some hippie fabric scraps she had. I love these!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X11ubAp34Ac/UysZWUdg3rI/AAAAAAAAAaU/lnuUl--b0jo/s1600/Tracey+White+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X11ubAp34Ac/UysZWUdg3rI/AAAAAAAAAaU/lnuUl--b0jo/s1600/Tracey+White+.jpg" height="400" width="305" /></a></div><br />Here's another awesome mini from Tracey White at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thequiltedcricket">The Quilted Cricket</a>. And how about a close up of this recycled jeans block she made??<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMS5XUA_HTI/UysZsa9w4cI/AAAAAAAAAac/0VTc_u_iEDs/s1600/Tracey+White+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMS5XUA_HTI/UysZsa9w4cI/AAAAAAAAAac/0VTc_u_iEDs/s1600/Tracey+White+2.jpg" height="320" width="301" /></a></div>I love this block so much!<br /><br />Thank you to everyone that tested this pattern!<br /><br />As I said, this is a free tutorial, so you can head on over to my <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/976738/pattern-store">Craftsy Shop</a> to add it to your library!Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-73888395378554866362014-03-06T21:31:00.002-05:002014-03-12T16:35:33.879-04:00Games To Go is a go! Get your pattern today!In case you don't follow my <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/976738/pattern-store">Craftsy Shop</a>, the pattern for Games To Go is now available for purchase! I have it posted for $8 through March 23, after which the price will go up to $10. So if you've been waiting, head on over while there's a price break. And if you're not following my shop, follow me while you're there!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzSeKF9Ftso/Uxndx5OD14I/AAAAAAAAAZc/jbwFX-aUHj8/s1600/IMG_4058small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzSeKF9Ftso/Uxndx5OD14I/AAAAAAAAAZc/jbwFX-aUHj8/s1600/IMG_4058small.jpg" height="550" width="640" /></a></div><br />Make it in traditional checkers or chess colors, or make a set for that couple that loves rival football teams or colleges. It's a great way to customize the game for the player!<br /><br />The pattern is available <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/toy/games-to-go-checkers--chess-gamepillow/88478">HERE</a>.Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-32278338265543489362014-03-05T20:02:00.000-05:002014-03-18T09:30:55.199-04:00Games To Go Chess and Checkers Game/Pillow!It's finally done!<br /><br />Games To Go: Checkers &amp; Chess Game/Pillow!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZTXOVCr9EE/UxeSiI9MCaI/AAAAAAAAAZE/rbLMy1vcRXE/s1600/IMG_4058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZTXOVCr9EE/UxeSiI9MCaI/AAAAAAAAAZE/rbLMy1vcRXE/s1600/IMG_4058.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div><br />This is a 34 1/2" square checkerboard quilt with a quillow-style pocket sewn to the back for storing both the game pieces and the board itself.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xx2i74qx6Fg/UxeRHfHhnnI/AAAAAAAAAY0/R_Z18n3yWeU/s1600/Pieces+assembled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xx2i74qx6Fg/UxeRHfHhnnI/AAAAAAAAAY0/R_Z18n3yWeU/s1600/Pieces+assembled.JPG" height="216" width="640" /></a></div>&nbsp;There are 32 reversible game pieces, with chess pieces on one side, and checkers on the other.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7aKVnDDpIJ0/UxeSdr00wZI/AAAAAAAAAZA/P7T7IlgSltY/s1600/IMG_4049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7aKVnDDpIJ0/UxeSdr00wZI/AAAAAAAAAZA/P7T7IlgSltY/s1600/IMG_4049.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />And when game time is over, the board folds up and flips into the pocket on the back, and the pieces fit into the zippered front of the pocket, keeping it all nice and neatly together. And it's mostly soft materials, so it doubles as a little pillow (zipper side down, of course). The best part is you never have to worry about stepping on that game piece that got left out because these won't feel like stepping in a bear trap (you know what I mean if you've ever stepped on a Lego in bare feet!)<br /><br />I'm trying to step out of my comfort zone. Yes, it's still a quilt! But it's got a zipper, so that's a start, right?<br /><br />What do you think?<br /><br />Want to hear about it when this pattern is available? Or just want to follow me to see what I will make next? Sign up for my newsletter! Just click the tab at the top to sign up.Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-43770809503040416452014-02-28T13:53:00.001-05:002014-02-28T13:53:39.903-05:00Final BIG Pattern Giveaway!If you didn't get a chance to enter my Aspiring Designers Challenge giveaway on February 22 (which will have a winner chosen this weekend), or even if you did and you just want another shot...Now, you can enter to win a copy of EVERY pattern that was released during the challenge! That's right, ALL the new patterns, plus some bonus patterns from a few other designers as well! It looks to be adding up to about 15 patterns in all. How about that? If you'd like to enter, click over to <a href="http://patternrevolution.com/featured-designer/">PatternRevolution.com</a> and check it out! You have about a day and a half to enter from right now :)<br /><br />Good luck!Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-53098899147085460402014-02-26T11:13:00.003-05:002014-02-26T11:53:38.124-05:00A brand new newsletter...and what am I working on now?Just a quick post to share my news: I started a newsletter today! I'm kind of excited at the idea that I have enough to talk about to warrant a newsletter (even if it's all in my head haha!) Anyway, if you're interested in staying up to date on what I'm working on and my new pattern releases and such, click the tab at the top to sign up for my newsletter.<br /><br />And just what am I working on? Well, the last couple days, I have gotten back to work on something I started for my boys just after Christmas. They love to play chess and checkers. Even my 5 year old! So I started sewing up a set for them. The pieces have been done for about a month (one side has appliqued chess pieces, the other is all one color, matching the chess pieces), and the board top has been done too. I got hung up on the pocket to store it all in, and then had to put it aside for a while. But I'm back to it, the pocket is figured out, and I'm ready to do the final assembly. Then I'll get it written up and tested, and it'll be posted in my Craftsy store after that. So it's moving along nicely and should be finished and available soon!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WWb44i2BOa8/Uw4SdhoPWeI/AAAAAAAAAYg/H72m7F4H9Tc/s1600/IMG_4011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WWb44i2BOa8/Uw4SdhoPWeI/AAAAAAAAAYg/H72m7F4H9Tc/s1600/IMG_4011.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />What do you think? <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11851981/?claim=nt827tg2cwa">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-45581511585600657242014-02-22T06:54:00.000-05:002015-02-02T17:56:34.933-05:00Windowboxes starts today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NO_NIFAgQqs/UwO3a0EawrI/AAAAAAAAAYA/NwNC3cAtIb4/s1600/AD+Challenge+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NO_NIFAgQqs/UwO3a0EawrI/AAAAAAAAAYA/NwNC3cAtIb4/s1600/AD+Challenge+(2).jpg" height="351" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />I'm very excited to be a part of the Aspiring Designer's Challenge! I have been designing quilts for a little bit now, and before today, I had 18 patterns available in my <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/976738/pattern-store">Craftsy Shop</a>. I am now ready to release my fourth mystery quilt! This one is called Windowboxes, and it starts today!<br /><br />Windowboxes is presented in 4 sizes: lap, twin, full, and queen/king. If you're doing your first mystery, or maybe your first quilt, the lap size is perfect. This is a pretty easy project, no complicated piecing or weird angles or special tools needed (beyond the standard quilting tools). The fabric requirements, cutting instructions, and pre-sewing instructions are available today. Next Saturday, I will upload a new file to Craftsy, overwriting the first one, which will also include the first clue. Each week after, I will do the same, adding a new clue each time till the mystery is solved and the top is complete.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rhf6d6WBb64/UwO4-nbSAcI/AAAAAAAAAYM/JVW5dlroaMk/s1600/Mystery+Quilt+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rhf6d6WBb64/UwO4-nbSAcI/AAAAAAAAAYM/JVW5dlroaMk/s1600/Mystery+Quilt+Logo.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div><br />While I can't show you photos of this quilt (it IS a mystery, after all!), I can show you photos of my past mystery quilts, so you can see the types of quilts I design.<br /><br />My first mystery was called Stepping Stones, and I designed it as a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen 3 Day (I didn't end up raising enough to walk, but the pattern did raise some money before the fundraising deadline).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIE183V3BZk/UTDXSEffU2I/AAAAAAAAAFg/_RzSAYS25cw/s1600/stepping+stones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIE183V3BZk/UTDXSEffU2I/AAAAAAAAAFg/_RzSAYS25cw/s1600/stepping+stones.jpg" height="222" width="400" /></a></div><br />My second was called Starry-Eyed Surprise, which I did as another fundraiser for the same walk.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7dddZe3Ppw/UwOxUIXrWXI/AAAAAAAAAXw/qVZ58sZfK04/s1600/starry-eyed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7dddZe3Ppw/UwOxUIXrWXI/AAAAAAAAAXw/qVZ58sZfK04/s1600/starry-eyed.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></div><br />My most recent mystery is called Waste Not, Want Not! I gave it that name because while I was still in the designing stages of this pattern, I was out driving one day and had this epiphany. I HATE wasting fabric. I will skimp as much as possible when I cut so I use as little as possible to get the result I want. That day, I realized that I could design this quilt and use the cutaway pieces to create another baby quilt top! In fact, by the time I was done designing, I had enough extra blocks (that would have been scraps had I not stitched them together before clipping them off) to add a couple borders and make TWO baby quilt tops. I had almost no waste from this pattern, and that made the frugal part of my brain really happy! And the fun part is that I didn't say anything about the bonus baby quilt tops till the second to last clue was released, so it was a surprise!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1n9FOLr8DZA/UZatDD_QwoI/AAAAAAAAAK8/1wpah1afh88/s1600/IMG_3570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1n9FOLr8DZA/UZatDD_QwoI/AAAAAAAAAK8/1wpah1afh88/s1600/IMG_3570.JPG" height="187" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Queen sized quilt top</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbXFYpkPRg4/UZatIP5YagI/AAAAAAAAALE/bKXJ3z7EkSs/s1600/IMG_3571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbXFYpkPRg4/UZatIP5YagI/AAAAAAAAALE/bKXJ3z7EkSs/s1600/IMG_3571.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the bonus baby quilt tops...SURPRISE!</div><br /><br />So now that you've seen my first three, it's time for my newest mystery. I have been hard at work designing it for a while, and I'm excited to release it as part of this Aspiring Designer's Challenge. I hope you'll play along! If you've never done a mystery quilt, they're a lot of fun, and it's a surprise at the end when you finally get to see the completed top. Each week, I'll post the next "clue", and you sew it up and set it aside till later, when it's needed for another clue. You'll sew in easy, manageable steps, but you won't see the final product till it's done! And if you've never done a quilt top at all, they're a fun way to start because you can learn basic techniques without being overwhelmed with having the entire pattern in front of you at once. You have a whole week to complete each step before starting something new.<br /><br />Mystery quilts are the reason I got into quilting in the first place. I came across one online 7 years ago and decided to give it a try (having barely sewn a stitch before that), and I had so much fun doing it! I hope that you'll take a look and give it a try. If you do, please join my Facebook group, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/MysteryQuilt1/">Mystery Quilts by Shannon</a>, where you can post pictures, ask questions, and chat with other mystery quilters. Also, be sure to follow my blog, either here on Blogger or on Bloglovin', to get updates on what patterns I'm working on.<br /><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-32453255251424048772014-02-09T20:53:00.000-05:002014-02-11T12:11:26.306-05:00Aspiring Designer's Challenge...and a new mystery quilt coming soon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hi! I'm Shannon, and I'm the pattern designer of ShannonMac Designs. And those that follow my blog might be asking...Why is she introducing herself on a blog that's been established for so long? I'll tell you. I have joined in an Aspiring Designers Challenge, so hopefully, there will be many new readers on my blog, starting with this post! This challenge includes many other great pattern designers, and I'm excited to be a part of it. I believe I am the only quilt designer in the bunch though, so if you clicked a link in a post about the challenge to get here, I'm glad you made it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oXhnBvYRnuk/UvpZq0c7s4I/AAAAAAAAAXY/h1HC8ddu_qo/s1600/AD+Challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oXhnBvYRnuk/UvpZq0c7s4I/AAAAAAAAAXY/h1HC8ddu_qo/s1600/AD+Challenge.jpg" height="562" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So now that you're here, here's what I've got for you...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r461n81ut9g/UvfyZuLYSBI/AAAAAAAAAVw/56agYOg4x1E/s1600/Mystery+Quilt+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r461n81ut9g/UvfyZuLYSBI/AAAAAAAAAVw/56agYOg4x1E/s1600/Mystery+Quilt+Logo.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I know many of you have been waiting, so...my next mystery quilt will begin February 22!<br /><br />This time, instead of hosting it in a facebook group and then releasing it on Craftsy after the big reveal, I am releasing it as a mystery on Craftsy. The pattern price will be $5 while it's still a mystery, and will go up to $7 once the mystery is revealed. On February 22, I will be uploading the fabric requirements and cutting instructions to my Craftsy Shop. Then each Saturday morning, I will upload a new file, replacing the old one, which will include everything up to that point, including the new week's clue. This way, you can download the new file each week, and at the end, it's all still kept together in one file. Sounds good, huh?<br /><br />The cool thing about Craftsy shops is that once you have a pattern in your library, it's yours to download and access forever, no worries of losing it. AND, if I update it, you will be notified that the file has changed, and you can download the new copy. I'll be using that feature to my advantage, when I upload a new file with one additional clue each week!<br /><br />You can find my Craftsy Shop <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/976738/pattern-store">HERE</a>.&nbsp;If you click 'Follow' on my shop page, you'll get an email when new patterns are posted there. Or follow my blog HERE, and I'll be posting when it's released here (as well as some giveaways coming up!)<br /><br />If you've never followed one of my mystery quilts, you can see the first three I designed <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/stepping-stones/32326">HERE</a>, <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/starry-eyed-surprise/32334">HERE</a>, and <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/waste-not-want-not/55381">HERE</a>! You can also join my mystery quilt group on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/MysteryQuilt1/">HERE</a>. Hope to see you there!Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-82673241548144049152014-02-09T17:09:00.002-05:002014-02-09T17:09:37.918-05:00New blog URLTo anyone that has been following my site, I am changing my address. The mrsmunchy up there is an old username, but the blog was transferred to my new email long ago. So to tie it to my new "name", I'm changing it. Please change your bookmarks and bloglovin' links, if you have them, to reflect the new address:<br /><br />http://shannonmacdesigns.blogspot.com<br /><br />I felt I need to change this now, while I'm still unknown enough that it won't hurt me LOL. I have some news that I'm about to announce, and before I get extra traffic to my blog, I want to have things really nailed down, especially a URL I can live with for a while!<br /><br />Also, I'll be eliminating the Quilting for Sanity!! name. I've loved that name! But it's time to kind of grow up and be serious if I want to grow my pattern designing as a business. That is my hope, that one day this will be my "real" job!<br /><br />Help me make the switch painless by changing any links you might have to reflect this. And watch for my next post! Thanks!Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-34404312956888769122014-02-07T13:36:00.003-05:002014-02-07T13:36:54.810-05:00Another finished UFOHere is my latest finish! This is the second quilt I ever started, a mystery quilt from Planet Patchwork called Snow Business. I started this New Years Day 2007, the day after I started my FIRST quilt (another mystery quilt!) I had been hand quilting this one, but I decided I didn't like what I had done, and I pulled it all back out, and put it on the long arm instead. I am much happier with it, especially with it being done!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iuX-bqX8Qes/UvUneM5g2DI/AAAAAAAAAVU/KQox9-zQDwk/s1600/1619100_10202671592898623_287180063_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iuX-bqX8Qes/UvUneM5g2DI/AAAAAAAAAVU/KQox9-zQDwk/s1600/1619100_10202671592898623_287180063_n.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WmNIVBB2cg/UvUngI0cB1I/AAAAAAAAAVc/7VeVeJe_zCk/s1600/1797469_10202671594258657_1323217309_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WmNIVBB2cg/UvUngI0cB1I/AAAAAAAAAVc/7VeVeJe_zCk/s1600/1797469_10202671594258657_1323217309_n.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />I quilted it with a meandering stars pattern. So happy it's finally done!Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-56473641238152983962014-01-10T16:40:00.002-05:002014-01-10T16:40:24.128-05:00New pattern available!Remember that star pattern I made for my Mother-In-Law, that I posted about <a href="http://mrsmunchy.blogspot.com/2013/12/handmade-christmas-gifts-pt1.html">here</a>? I just posted the pattern in my Craftsy shop, so you can make one too! You can get it <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/bali-night-sky/81703">HERE</a>!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f-FllgYO-OY/Ur2mnQ7bAmI/AAAAAAAAASw/BQJtEbvbSe0/s1600/IMG_3948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f-FllgYO-OY/Ur2mnQ7bAmI/AAAAAAAAASw/BQJtEbvbSe0/s1600/IMG_3948.JPG" height="392" width="640" /></a></div><br />Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-50238713397103285822014-01-03T12:59:00.002-05:002014-01-03T12:59:24.507-05:00Freezer Paper patterns?Yup!<br /><br />I hate to cut out my original copies of my patterns. I have a tendency to lose just one piece, which sometimes makes the pattern useless. While I still worked, I would run a copy of the pattern pieces, so I could cut the copy and keep my original intact, and never worry about losing that one piece.<br /><br />But now that I don't work anymore, I don't have access to a printer that'll print bigger than letter sized paper. That's fine normally, but for some patterns I have, I need 8 1/2" x 14" or 11" x 17" to make my copies. So instead of moping about it, or going through the trouble of scanning and piecing prints together, this is what I do.<br /><br />I trace the pattern onto freezer paper! It works really well when you're fussy cutting too, which I did recently with my Quattro Bag I made (pattern from <a href="http://www.studiokatdesigns.com/">StudioKat Designs</a>). I used this amazing peacock fabric from Timeless Treasures, and I wanted to get the perfect cut for the pouch piece.<br /><br />First, I trace the pattern piece onto freezer paper and cut it out, then, I press it onto the front side of the fabric, lining it up over the area I want to fussy cut.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80FwUyNiKkE/Usb404CQW2I/AAAAAAAAAUU/XZexCBdRZd8/s1600/IMG_4016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80FwUyNiKkE/Usb404CQW2I/AAAAAAAAAUU/XZexCBdRZd8/s640/IMG_4016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then I hold it up to a window or a light, and make sure that what shows through is exactly what I want to cut out. If not, I peel it off and adjust it, and press it on again (that's the best part about freezer paper, it sticks over and over.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvFlPSEnt4M/Usb48qaXIdI/AAAAAAAAAUk/gn2WV1mGKVw/s1600/IMG_4017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvFlPSEnt4M/Usb48qaXIdI/AAAAAAAAAUk/gn2WV1mGKVw/s640/IMG_4017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once it's pressed onto the exact area I want to cut, I cut it out.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QmErigXTNVw/Usb46OrfD1I/AAAAAAAAAUY/I0rAa-E8gdQ/s1600/IMG_4018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QmErigXTNVw/Usb46OrfD1I/AAAAAAAAAUY/I0rAa-E8gdQ/s320/IMG_4018.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />Voila! The perfect pouch piece with the peacock fussy cut into it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nl94VKyNukk/Usb488ydXMI/AAAAAAAAAUo/cfPKh_rt1mQ/s1600/IMG_4019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nl94VKyNukk/Usb488ydXMI/AAAAAAAAAUo/cfPKh_rt1mQ/s640/IMG_4019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />It's a little extra work, but it makes fussy cutting so much easier. And since I already wanted an extra copy of the pattern pieces, it worked out well anyway. And for the fusible pieces, just pin them instead of pressing them.Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698214710443432220.post-25158195711944024962013-12-27T12:47:00.000-05:002014-01-05T08:45:04.160-05:00Handmade Christmas gifts - Pt.2After I finished the quilt for my mother-in-law, I turned to finishing the quilt I'd started for my son. He had picked out the pattern and colors himself, but I think he forgot he asked for it LOL! I got the quilt onto the long arm the Friday evening before Christmas, started quilting it on Saturday, and finished it Sunday afternoon. I did the binding on Monday while the boys were at the movies with my in-laws (great timing!) He wanted it to be WARM. So there's 2 layers of 6.8oz polyester batting in it, and it's backed with black fleece. Take that!<br /><br />And here's the final result. I am really pleased with how it turned out, my intersections looked a lot better than some of my previous projects. I guess that means I must be getting better!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FLsVHVkkT-Q/Ur24ty69ySI/AAAAAAAAATo/cbtcfMnLpYY/s1600/IMG_3975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FLsVHVkkT-Q/Ur24ty69ySI/AAAAAAAAATo/cbtcfMnLpYY/s640/IMG_3975.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This pattern is called Diamond Double. I picked it up at my LQS recently. My son had seen it once when I had to pop in for a cut of fabric, and asked me a couple weeks later if I'd make it for him :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2WQrg7A7D24/Ur24h2EuA-I/AAAAAAAAATg/BUUjJc0HuSo/s1600/IMG_3978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2WQrg7A7D24/Ur24h2EuA-I/AAAAAAAAATg/BUUjJc0HuSo/s640/IMG_3978.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The center section is quilted with a loopy design, with some stars mixed in.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-06SAatuOif4/Ur25XzG_H9I/AAAAAAAAATw/wUusq0g-ykA/s1600/IMG_3980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-06SAatuOif4/Ur25XzG_H9I/AAAAAAAAATw/wUusq0g-ykA/s640/IMG_3980.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I debated the quilting on this one. I am relatively new and inexperienced with my long arm and free-motion quilting in general, and I always worry I'll "ruin" the project with bad quilting. But because this quilt was staying home, and I was pretty sure my son wasn't going to care what the quilting looked like as long as the quilt was warm and in the pattern he picked, I decided to be a little experimental. I got on pinterest and started poking around, and found a few nice simple designs I thought I could probably do in the blue border and the black corners, and modified another one to fill the inner black border. Then I filled in the wider black border with a simple winding line. I did a little doodling with these designs before I started actually stitching, to make sure I could do the transitions properly when I turned the corners. It's not perfect, but I'm really happy with it anyway. And my son LOVES it (and sure enough, doesn't care about the quilting hahaha!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XaUaSBTRTR8/Ur347xbk0OI/AAAAAAAAAUA/kCii4GbFlno/s1600/IMG_3971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XaUaSBTRTR8/Ur347xbk0OI/AAAAAAAAAUA/kCii4GbFlno/s400/IMG_3971.JPG" width="395" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the second of 2 finishes for me in December. If you missed Part 1 and the quilt I made for my mother-in-law, you can read that <a href="http://mrsmunchy.blogspot.com/2013/12/handmade-christmas-gifts-pt1.html">HERE</a>. And if you're looking for motivation to finish some projects of your own, check out my Facebook group,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/ufoqueen2013">UFOQueen2013</a>&nbsp;(I can't change the name now lol). It's a great group for motivation and inspiration!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Linking up at:<br /><center style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://emsewandsew.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-stitch-in-time-december-finishes.html" target="_blank" title="December Finishes"><img alt="December Finishes" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pbrcyH32Sfg/Up1q_xBItOI/AAAAAAAAHLU/XN7nkDz5wMw/w165-h255-no/A+Stitch+In+Time+2013+12.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2013/12/last-link-up-of-year.html">The Free Motion Quilting Project</a></center><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Shannon Maciejewskihttps://plus.google.com/116415780274262069089noreply@blogger.com5